Twenty players to watch in 2019/20: Marc Roca

Spain have managed to perfect it; the country churns out elite-level deep-lying playmakers-cum-ball-destroyers at an alarming rate. Xabi Alonso gravitated more towards the former as opposed to the latter as he was pre-Sergio Busquets. But since the La Masia graduate burst onto the scene, Spanish clubs have had a blueprint for success and many have followed it closely.

Rodri, for example, didn’t let the weight of being labelled the ‘new Busquets’ weigh him down and has since made a £65million move to Manchester City. He is viewed as the long-term replacement for Fernandinho at the base of the Premier League champion’s midfield.